Serville and Szuma were the D pair out for the first goal. Szuma pinched, got beat, and then Serville compounded the error by giving up the pass across the slot. Empty net, 1-0 SLU. That happened again later but the shot went wide or Hunwick made the save, idk. I expect those kind of mistakes from freshmen, and I really don't mind them in a 10-3 game. Just as long as the coaches show them the video and they learn from it.

I don't remember many, if any 'cheap goals'. Pateryn had a great blast that redirected off the Dman's stick and beat the goalie top corner. I thought Wohlbergs goal was a great play. He appeared to be taking the goal behind the net, the goalie left the pipe a split second early and Wohlberg showed great stick work to bring the puck over and tuck it in the net. Moffat's goal was great too. Picked up the puck in the circle and skated to the slot and let go a backhand with a lot of traffic. The goalie never saw it.

alfablue

10-14-2011, 07:46 PM

Couple things- yes way too many shots, but understandable once the game was out of hand.
Second, the defense isn't pinching all that much, just making poor decisions- they are quickly giving up the blue line more than pinching, IMO and choosing to pinch at the wrong time. That's what happens when you have three freshmen playing D and others up front.
Third, some chatter from some of the experienced players suggest that they are a little sore about hearing the projections about Michigan struggling to score. I hope they understand that playing near last place clubs at home doesn't amount to much proof that the offense "has arrived". We'll see next weekend on the road.

re-shots- they were outshooting us most of the night. Well before the game got out of hand- it was a little nervewracking in the first period.

At this point, I'd rather the D give up the blue line vs. give up odd man rushes- it's not as if we are lacking on the scoring front, yet.

JoeZ

10-20-2011, 09:41 AM

It must be increasingly easier everyday to be tempted to leave. Jon is a great defenseman, but chances are, he's not staying four years no matter what. I just wish players these days would realize their obligation to their school, and more importantly, to their teammates. Why go the college route if you're focused on yourself? I think Red is doing the right thing, and I respect him even more for it.

It is just Red being Red. He has always been that way. That is why he has the highest respect of his peers.

streaker

10-20-2011, 09:11 PM

It is just Red being Red. He has always been that way. That is why he has the highest respect of his peers.

Where that is true, the kid is being a dick. Sorry to say that, but it's true.

JoeZ

10-21-2011, 07:33 AM

There are credible reports Merrill has been sighted frequenting Compuware Arena.
The Whalers have his OHL rights.
Is this any indication where he will play his next game?

JoeZ

10-21-2011, 07:41 AM

Where that is true, the kid is being a dick. Sorry to say that, but it's true.

He's not doing what he needs to do to return. So, yeah, Streaker is correct.

C-YA!

excerpt from a Michigan Daily article:

Merrill is currently serving a 12-game suspension leveled prior to the season for violating team rules. Under the policy, he was eligible to return to practice after two weeks. Friday marked the end of those two weeks, but he did not attend the practice then or on subsequent dates.

“Right now it’s still in a gray area,” Berenson said. “I can’t tell you that there is or there isn’t (a return date), but I think at some point we’ll have to either figure that out or announce it.”

The choice to restore Merrill’s practice eligibility isn’t Berenson’s alone. He said that Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon will also offer input.

He's not doing what he needs to do to return. So, yeah, Streaker is correct.

C-YA!

excerpt from a Michigan Daily article:

Merrill is currently serving a 12-game suspension leveled prior to the season for violating team rules. Under the policy, he was eligible to return to practice after two weeks. Friday marked the end of those two weeks, but he did not attend the practice then or on subsequent dates.

“Right now it’s still in a gray area,” Berenson said. “I can’t tell you that there is or there isn’t (a return date), but I think at some point we’ll have to either figure that out or announce it.”

The choice to restore Merrill’s practice eligibility isn’t Berenson’s alone. He said that Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon will also offer input.

If it was a pure behavioral issue then it would be purely up to Red. However, with the AD getting involved, this feels like an eligibility issue.

alfablue

10-21-2011, 10:46 AM

Where that is true, the kid is being a dick. Sorry to say that, but it's true.

Wow, EXCELLENT point of view. Hope the team can accept that and move on, too. On or off the team- if he can do what it takes, accept him, and let him play- or if he does not, fill the gaps and keep playing.

For sure, he can make the team better. The question is if they realize that they are not worse without him. They are just not better (and there is a difference).

jrhockeyrecruit

10-23-2011, 12:51 AM

Here is an interview with a Wolverine 2012 recruit from Toronto. Hes good but his stats aren't that stellar...

http://jrhockeyrecruit.com/2011/10/michigan-hockey-recruit/

alfablue

10-24-2011, 09:30 AM

Well, that was not a great weekend, was it?

Not totally unexpected, although I was expecting more of a split, than just 2 points. (and for the record, which is skipping, I hate shootouts- even if we finaly won one).

Still have D issues, and the offensive prowess we showed in previous games dried up. Hopefully, they will learn what it takes to put a good power play together. And, from what I've read, also understand that the passing issues we've had were not flukes.

I'm more bummed by the number of goals scored than anything. Sure, Hunwick, admittedly, was a moron, and put Janick in a bad spot. But the D should have stepped up for it, much like when Shawn first was put in the net a few years ago.

Based on what the other thread is posting, I'll sure not miss playing NMU much. Team and competition, sure- the fans, not so much.

Tough test this weekend- Ferris is playing really well, and we are not. Oh, and don't forget that this is a THURSDAY/Friday weekend.

bluevox

10-24-2011, 10:32 AM

Alfa-

Yeah 2 out of 6 points, not so good. In my mind, I don't count shoot-outs, so it seems more like 1 out of 4.

Hunwick has shown some of the hot-headedness in the past (last year in Munn, for example) but I would really wish he would realize how much that hurts the team. Maybe getting kicked out of the game got it through his head. It took a similar incident a couple of years ago to get it through my head. My wife told me she would not bring my son to anymore of my games if there was a chance I would do stupid stuff like that again.

As for Ferris, the look of this series has sure turned around from pre-season. It does look like FSU is the real-deal, but I like our chances at home. Also, I am sure that this week in practice, Red will get some good, hard work out of the boys. Look for them to come out ready for action.

alfablue

10-24-2011, 11:26 AM

BTW, there are rumors that Merrill will stay with the team. This opposed to the recent rumors about the Plymouth. Just heard it this morning on the rivals site.

streaker

10-24-2011, 09:50 PM

Screw the NMU fans, liquid courage and hatred are a bad mix. Besides, their fans like to run their mouths and write checks their team can't cash. 2-9-1 last 12 on their home ice against Michigan. Never have beaten the Wolverines in the semi's or the final at the JLA. Aside from a 1st round playoff series, we won't have to go back up there. Cut out of the same cloth as the UNO fan. I guess in Yooper language, were all turrible peoples, woa. Hunwick cost us a game on Friday and then they blew a couple leads saturday- and a five minute PP. Not good.

Merrill: seeing is believing- if and when he comes back to practice.

Ferris: seemed to have put together some offense again and has a terrific goaltending tandem. Things are usually edgy when these teams meet. Hope Red encourages the boys to tighten up the team defense and fix the atrocious penalty killing. Staying out of the box- especially our experienced guys would help.

davyd83

10-25-2011, 07:05 AM

Screw the NMU fans, liquid courage and hatred are a bad mix. Besides, their fans like to run their mouths and write checks their team can't cash. 2-9-1 last 12 on their home ice against Michigan. Never have beaten the Wolverines in the semi's or the final at the JLA. Aside from a 1st round playoff series, we won't have to go back up there. Cut out of the same cloth as the UNO fan. I guess in Yooper language, were all turrible peoples, woa. Hunwick cost us a game on Friday and then they blew a couple leads saturday- and a five minute PP. Not good.

Merrill: seeing is believing- if and when he comes back to practice.

Ferris: seemed to have put together some offense again and has a terrific goaltending tandem. Things are usually edgy when these teams meet. Hope Red encourages the boys to tighten up the team defense and fix the atrocious penalty killing. Staying out of the box- especially our experienced guys would help.

Just returning the favors. Wear an opposing team's jersey at Yost and see just how much kindness, compassion and good sportsmanship you get. What's the matter? You can dish it out, but can't take it? Call Hunwick, see if he'll let you play kick the helmet and throw the stick then lend you his crying towel. Now, chances are the results could be different at Yost, no doubt about it.

alfablue

10-25-2011, 07:17 AM

Just returning the favors. Wear an opposing team's jersey at Yost and see just how much kindness, compassion and good sportsmanship you get. What's the matter? You can dish it out, but can't take it? Call Hunwick, see if he'll let you play kick the helmet and throw the stick then lend you his crying towel. Now, chances are the results could be different at Yost, no doubt about it.

Spoken like a fan who has never actually been to Yost. great preceptions, if it keeps the likes of you away. Please, make it stay that way.

davyd83

10-25-2011, 07:25 AM

Spoken like a fan who has never actually been to Yost. great preceptions, if it keeps the likes of you away. Please, make it stay that way.

Been there at least a half dozen times. Loved the night they put the flyers on the seats in the student section begging for good behavior. Also loved the classy greeting given three friends who were wearing NMU jerseys.

alfablue

10-25-2011, 07:41 AM

Been there at least a half dozen times. Loved the night they put the flyers on the seats in the student section begging for good behavior. Also loved the classy greeting given three friends who were wearing NMU jerseys.

I know I very much enjoy punching oppostion fans in the nuts when they pass by me in the stands.... streaker gets the ones in the section over. Gives them a warm fuzzy feeling at yost.

You've made your opinion- stay away. We are fine with that. No need to post here anymore.

MUhawks628

10-25-2011, 07:45 AM

I know I very much enjoy punching oppostion fans in the nuts when they pass by me in the stands.... streaker gets the ones in the section over.

So the sections I should avoid in February are...? ;)

alfablue

10-25-2011, 07:59 AM

So the sections I should avoid in February are...? ;)

That's the best part- we are in the north end, where most of the opposition fans are. :)